Final answer:
The chemical formula for the ionic compound formed by the ions K⁺ and SO₃²⁻ is K₂SO₃, comprising two potassium ions for every sulfite ion to balance the charges.
Step-by-step explanation:
To predict the chemical formula for the ionic compound formed by the ions K⁺ and SO₃²⁻, we need to consider the charge on each ion. A potassium ion carries a charge of +1, and a sulfite ion carries a charge of -2. To form a neutral ionic compound, the total positive charge must balance the total negative charge.
Since one sulfite ion has twice the negative charge of a potassium ion, we will need two potassium ions to balance one sulfite ion. This means the chemical formula for the ionic compound formed will be K₂SO₃, which indicates that there are two potassium ions for every one sulfite ion.
When potassium (K⁺) forms an ionic compound with sulfite (SO₃²⁻), the charges must balance. The potassium ion has a charge of 1+, while the sulfite ion has a charge of 2-. To achieve charge neutrality, two potassium ions are needed to balance the charge of one sulfite ion. Therefore, the chemical formula for the ionic compound is K₂SO₃.